Amrita BudhaBack

Amrita Budha

Amrita used to hide her face behind strands of black hair. During the first year we spent together in the sessions, she almost always wore a mask, and it took long months before we saw her beautiful smile. Milan's cousin, both from Nepal, Amrita quietly followed the laboratories, offering timid but profound responses. During the filming of Milan's story for the Soil Map, Amrita accompanied the recordings inside the car, and it was the first time she truly revealed her performing talent. She corrected every sentence her friend said, stating, "More emphasis! You have to pronounce this word correctly; it's very important!" Amrita worked at a restaurant near Vila Nova de Milfontes, and when we entered with her through the door, she hugged every cook and staff member, who cried at her departure. Now, when we cross paths in the hallways of the Secondary School of Odemira, we also exchange a tight hug, with immense joy for the memories we shared.

Photography by: João Gambino